PCL Number Colour Contrast — SOR/2010-91
Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91) · Federal — Canada
§The Law
Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91) — Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91)
“Pleasure craft licence numbers should be displayed in a colour that contrasts with the hull to ensure they are clearly legible.”
View official regulation text✓Plain English
Use a colour that stands out against your hull. White letters on a dark hull, or dark letters on a white hull. No matching colours.
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Specific Requirements
Must contrast with hull colour
White on dark hull or dark on white hull
No gloss-on-same-colour combinations
High visibility required
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📚Sources & Authority
Every claim on this page is backed by official government legislation and verified industry sources. Last verified: March 2026.
🏛 Official Government Sources
Pleasure Craft Licensing — Transport Canada
Transport Canada · March 2026
Official Transport Canada page for Pleasure Craft Licensing. Covers who needs a PCL, how to apply, number display requirements, and renewal.
Small Vessel Regulations — SOR/2010-91
Justice Laws Canada · March 2026
The Small Vessel Regulations define marking requirements for pleasure craft including PCL number size (75mm minimum), placement (both sides of bow), and colour contrast.
Canada Shipping Act, 2001
Justice Laws Canada · March 2026
The Canada Shipping Act is the federal legislation governing all vessel registration, safety, and compliance in Canadian waters.
🏢 Industry Organizations
All sources are official government publications or recognized industry authorities. Links verified March 2026. If you find a broken link, let us know.
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Shop Marine Registration NumbersOr call (289) 228-7021Regulation Quick Facts
- Regulation
- Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91)
- Jurisdiction
- 🇨🇦 Federal — Canada
- Category
- Marine & Boating Law
Source library
Confirm the current rule before relying on a marking
Our guides are a starting point for locating government sources connected to Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91) markings. Requirements can depend on jurisdiction, vehicle or site details, and the date you act.
- Open the linked official source and check its current version.
- Confirm the rule applies to your exact vehicle, vessel, property, or operation.
- Verify wording, dimensions, placement, and effective dates before ordering.
Compliance Certificate
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